US7402159B2 - System and method for positioning a patient for laser surgery - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for positioning the eye of a patient, relative to a stationary surgical laser unit, includes a chair for moving the patient. An eye stabilizing element is held against the eye, with a tapered receptacle extending outwardly therefrom. Also, an alignment device with a tapered tip is mounted on the surgical laser unit. In operation, the patient is moved to engage the receptacle of the eye stabilizing element with the tip of the alignment device, to thereby align the patient's eye with the surgical laser unit for laser surgery.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to systems for performing laser refractive surgery. More particularly, the present invention pertains to systems for positioning the eye of a patient for laser refractive surgery. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as a system and method for moving the eye of the patient to a predetermined location relative to a stationary surgical laser unit for performing laser refractive surgery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The current state of the art in refractive laser surgery involves ablating corneal tissue of the eye with an ultra-fast, ultra-short pulse duration laser beam. Indeed, it is well known that the ablation of selected corneal tissue can correct refractive errors of a patient's eye by permanently altering the structure of the cornea. A system for accomplishing this type of tissue ablation through laser surgery is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,051, entitled “A Device and Method for Performing Refractive Surgery,” which issued to Bille and is assigned to the same assignee as the present application, i.e. 20/10 Perfect Vision Optische Geraete GmbH.

Importantly, the nature of refractive laser surgery requires that the laser beam be precisely focused to a very small focal spot within the cornea. As such, the patient's eye must be stabilized, and the laser system must be properly and precisely aligned with the patient's eye. In order to achieve proper alignment between the eye of the patient and the laser system, the system alignment settings and operating parameters must be well defined, steadfastly maintained, and frequently verified. Further, as indicated above, it is well known to those skilled in the art that accurate and precise refractive surgery requires the corneal tissue be photoablated when the eye is substantially stabilized or stationary. As always, patient comfort and safety must be considered when holding the eye stationary and conducting the laser surgery.

In order to achieve the goal of maximizing results while minimizing risks to the patient during surgery, it is important to eliminate, or at least significantly reduce, as many system errors as possible. Included here is the improper alignment of the patient's eye, relative to the laser system. Interestingly, alignment errors may result from either a misconfiguration of the system, or from the patient's interaction with the system. Insofar as patient/system interaction is concerned, any voluntary or involuntary movement of the patient's eye during surgery can significantly alter the alignment of the eye relative to the laser system. It is necessary, therefore, to hold the eye of the patient stationary during any lasing procedure. Holding the eye stationary does not, however, necessarily require direct contact between the eye and the laser system. In fact, for several current laser surgery systems, the eye of the patient is not placed in physical contact with the laser system. When the eye is allowed to move independently of the system, however, maintaining an optical alignment of the eye with the laser system can be problematic. On the other hand, those systems wherein the eye of the patient is placed and held in direct contact with the laser system, maintaining optical alignment between the eye and the laser system, still poses problems.

For systems wherein a patient's eye is to be stabilized by placing the eye in direct contact with the system, stabilization can be established in either of two ways. For one, the patient can be pre-positioned as desired, and the system then moved into contact with the eye. Such systems, of course, must be capable of being reconfigured to establish the necessary optical alignment. For another, the laser system can be preconfigured with a desired optical alignment, and the patient then moved into contact with the system. Either way, there are alignment issues that need to be addressed. In the latter case, however, use of a preconfigured optical system avoids the difficulties that may arise due to extended displacements or altered orientations of the optical elements.

In addition to the operational issues discussed above, patient safety is always a concern. In particular, when the eye is in direct contact with the laser system, the magnitude of the interactive forces that are exerted on the eye are of concern. The several different events that can cause these forces to exceed the limits of safety need to be avoided.

In light of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a system and method for positioning the eye of a patient relative to a laser system, for refractive laser surgery. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for positioning the eye of a patient for refractive laser surgery, wherein alignment of the eye with the laser system is established by moving the patient, while the laser system remains stationary. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for positioning the eye of a patient for refractive laser surgery which avoids damage to the eye while holding the eye substantially stationary during the laser surgery procedure. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for positioning the eye of a patient for refractive laser surgery that is easy to use, relatively simple to manufacture, and comparatively cost effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a system for positioning an eye of a patient for laser refractive surgery includes a surgical laser unit and a platform for supporting the patient during a surgical procedure. In addition to the platform and the laser surgical unit, the system of the present invention includes an eye stabilizing element which can be placed in direct contact with the anterior surface of the cornea of the patient's eye. Also, the system includes an alignment device for engagement with the eye stabilizing element. Notably, the alignment device may be mounted on the surgical laser unit, or, in the alternative, the alignment device may be integral to the surgical laser unit. In either case, this engagement between the eye stabilizing element and the alignment device, the eye is held in optical alignment with the laser unit during a surgical procedure.

Preferably, the platform is a chair having a motorized control assembly that can be selectively activated to move and reconfigure the chair. More specifically, the chair is moved to engage the eye stabilizing element on the patient's eye with the alignment device on the laser unit. For this purpose, the system includes a computer controller that is in electronic communication with both the motorized control assembly of the chair and the surgical laser unit. Further, the computer controller has a graphical user interface for presenting operational and system alignment information to a system operator.

Structurally, the eye stabilizing element for the present invention includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical shaped base member which defines a longitudinal axis, and which has a first end and a second end. A curved lens is centered on the axis, and is positioned at the first end of the base member to create an interior cavity between the lens and the base member. As intended for the present invention, the curved lens is shaped with a contact surface in the interior cavity that substantially conforms to the anterior surface of an eye.

The eye stabilizing element of the present invention also includes a hollow receptacle that is attached to the first end of the base member. More specifically, the receptacle is symmetrically oriented on the axis to surround the lens, and it includes a wall that extends away from the lens in a direction opposite to the base member. Importantly, this wall is formed with an interior surface that is preferably tapered with a decreasing diameter in an axial direction toward the lens.

Along with the structural aspects mentioned above, the eye stabilizing element of the present invention also includes a recessed vacuum channel that is formed at the periphery of the lens. Additionally, an air passage is formed in the wall of the receptacle for fluid communication with the vacuum channel. The receptacle of the eye stabilizing element also includes diametrically opposed tabs that extend radially from the wall of the receptacle for use in engaging the alignment device with the eye stabilization element.

Structurally, the alignment device of the present invention includes a hollow, tip member which has a wall that extends between an open first end and an open second end. Preferably, the wall is conical shaped, and the diameter of the tapered tip member decreases in the direction from the second end toward the first end. Importantly, the outer surface of the wall of the tip member is dimensioned to precisely engage with the interior surface of the wall of the receptacle of the eye stabilizing element. Further, the tip member includes a circumferential shelf that extends around the periphery of the first end of the tip member. This shelf may include a recessed vacuum groove that is formed in the shelf to extend around the periphery of the tip. Additionally, the alignment device of the present invention may also include a mounting ring for mounting the alignment device on the surgical laser unit.

Also included in the system of the present invention is a primary vacuum subsystem that is connected in fluid communication with the vacuum channel of the eye stabilizing element for creating a suction that holds the eye stabilizing element on the eye. More specifically, the primary vacuum subsystem includes a vacuum fitting that is attached to the vacuum channel, a vacuum line that is connected to the vacuum fitting, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the vacuum line. The system of the present invention may also include a secondary vacuum subsystem that is connected in fluid communication with the vacuum groove of the alignment device for creating a suction that holds the eye stabilizing element against the alignment device. As with the primary vacuum subsystem, the secondary vacuum subsystem similarly includes a vacuum fitting, a vacuum line, and a vacuum pump.

As contemplated by the present invention, the system further includes one or more pressure sensors that are mounted on the surgical laser unit. Specifically, the pressure sensors are positioned to contact the alignment device when the alignment device is positioned or mounted on the surgical laser unit. Preferably, when the alignment device is mounted on the laser unit, at least three sensors are positioned substantially equidistant from each other, and substantially equidistant from the center of the mounting ring. Further, a plurality of light sources are preferably mounted on the surgical laser unit for illuminating the eye during the laser surgery. It is to be appreciated, however, that a single light source may be used.

In the operation of the present invention, the alignment device is mounted, or positioned, on the laser unit. The patient is then seated in the chair, and the chair is moved and reconfigured for the surgical procedure. Initially, the motorized control assembly directs the movement of the chair to generally align the eye of the patient with the surgical laser unit. Once the eye has been generally aligned with the surgical laser unit, the eye stabilizing element is placed on the eye. More specifically, the interior cavity of the eye stabilizing element is placed over the eye to place the anterior surface of the cornea in contact with the contact lens. After the eye stabilizing element is placed on the eye, the primary vacuum subsystem is activated. As indicated above, the vacuum pump is used to create a suction between the contact lens of the eye stabilizing element and the anterior surface of the cornea, thereby holding the eye stabilizing element immovable against the eye.

With the eye stabilizing element held on the eye, and the alignment device positioned on the surgical laser unit, the chair is reconfigured to move the eye stabilizing element into an engagement with the alignment device. During this docking procedure, the eye stabilizing element is moved to precisely engage the interior surface of the receptacle of the eye stabilizing element with the outer surface of the hollow tip member of the alignment device. When properly engaged, the tabs of the eye stabilizing element will abut the shelf of the alignment device. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the secondary vacuum subsystem is then activated to create a suction force at the interface of the tabs and the shelf to maintain the engagement of the eye stabilizing element with the alignment device.

During a “docking” procedure as described above, the interactive forces that are generated between the eye stabilizing element and the alignment device are measured by the pressure sensors mounted on the surgical laser unit. These measured forces can then be used by the computer controller to calculate the magnitude and direction of the forces being exerted against the eye. If the forces calculated by the computer controller exceed acceptable limits, the procedure is stopped.

Throughout the course of the laser surgery, whenever a plurality of light sources are used to illuminate the eye, an observable pattern of reflected light is generated. Further, the observed pattern of reflected light may be compared to a pattern of light (i.e. a circle) that is indicative of a proper engagement between the eye stabilizing element and the alignment device. If the pattern of observed reflected light is substantially distorted from the desired pattern of light, the engagement is not correct and should be checked. After verifying a proper engagement of the eye stabilizing element with the alignment device, and ensuring the forces being exerted on the eye are within safety limits, the system operator may proceed with the refractive laser surgery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system, in accordance with the present invention, for positioning the eye of a patient for refractive laser surgery;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view, in partial cross section, of an eye stabilizing element, an alignment device, and a surgical laser unit of the present invention, as seen along the line2-2 inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a plurality of pressure sensors in contact with an alignment device of the present invention, as seen along the line3-3 inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a representation of a pattern of reflected light indicating a proper engagement between an eye stabilizing element and an alignment device of the present invention; and

FIG. 4B is a representation of a distorted pattern of reflected light indicating an improper engagement between an eye stabilizing element and an alignment device of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A system in accordance with the present invention is shown inFIG. 1 and is generally designated10. As shown, thesystem10 includes a stationarysurgical laser unit12 and aplatform14. More specifically, as disclosed herein, theplatform14 is used for supporting apatient16, and positioning aneye18 of the patient16 relative to thesurgical laser unit12 during a laser surgery. Further,system10 includes aneye stabilizing element20 which is placed on theeye18 and analignment device22 that is mounted or positioned on thelaser unit12 for engagement with theeye stabilizing element20. Specifically, thealignment device22 may be mounted on thesurgical laser unit12, or thedevice22 may be integral to thesurgical laser unit12.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention theplatform14 is a chair that includes amotorized control assembly24 which can be selectively activated to move and reconfigure thechair14. As shown inFIG. 1, thesystem10 also includes acomputer controller26 which has agraphical user interface28 for receiving instructions from, and presenting information such as alignment and system functionality data to, a system operator (not shown). Further, thecomputer controller26 is in electronic communication with themotorized control assembly24 of thechair14 for directing the movement of thechair14, and with thesurgical laser unit12 for controlling the settings, timing and functioning of theunit12. Specifically, anelectrical cable30 connects thecomputer controller26 to thesurgical laser unit12. Additionally, anelectrical cable32 is connected from thecomputer controller26 to themotorized control assembly24. Also, thesystem10 of the present invention includes aconsole34 for housing thecomputer controller26.

Referring now toFIG. 2, theeye stabilizing element20 of the present invention is shown to include a hollow, substantially cylindrical shapedbase member36 which defines alongitudinal axis38. More specifically, thebase member36 includes an openfirst end40 and an opensecond end42. Theeye stabilizing element20 also includes acurved lens44 that is centered on theaxis38 with theperiphery46 of thelens44 in contact with thefirst end40 of thebase member36. Thus, thecurved lens44 is positioned to create aninterior cavity48 between thelens44 and thebase member36. As intended for the present invention, thecurved lens44 is shaped with aconcave contact surface50 that will substantially conform to theanterior surface52 of thecornea54 of theeye18. For this purpose, thecontact surface50 oflens44 will have a radius of curvature that is greater than 5 mm. Preferably, the radius of curvature is approximately 8.8 mm. As contemplated by the present invention, theeye stabilizing element20 can be made of any of a type of materials well known in the pertinent art. Notably, thelens44 must be a clear, transparent material such as Poly(methyl methacrylate), also known as “PMMA”.

Extending outwardly from thebase member36 is ahollow receptacle56 that is attached to thefirst end40 of thebase member36. As shown inFIG. 2, thereceptacle56 includes awall58 that is symmetrically oriented on theaxis38 to surround thelens44 and extend axially away from thelens44. Importantly, thewall58 is formed with aninterior surface60 that is preferably tapered inwardly, which is to say the diameter of the taper decreases in an axial direction toward thelens48. In addition, thereceptacle56 of theeye stabilizing element20 also includes diametricallyopposed tabs62aand62bthat extend radially from thewall58 of thereceptacle56 for use in engaging thealignment device22 with theeye stabilizing element20.

As also shown inFIG. 2, theeye stabilizing element20 includes a recessedvacuum channel64 that is formed at theperiphery46 of thelens44. Additionally, anair passage66 is formed in thewall58 of thereceptacle56 for fluid communication between thevacuum channel64 and thetab62b. A primary vacuum fitting68 is in fluid communication with theair passage66 at the point of termination in thetab62b. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, thesystem10 also includes avacuum line70 that is connected to thevacuum fitting68. Additionally, avacuum pump72 is in fluid communication with thevacuum line70 for evacuating theair passage68 and thevacuum channel60. Collectively, the vacuum fitting68,line70 and pump72 constitute aprimary vacuum subsystem73.

Considering now thealignment device22 of the present invention, it can be seen inFIG. 2 that thealignment device22 includes ahollow tip member74 having afirst end76 and asecond end78. In addition, both thefirst end76 and thesecond end78 of thetip member74 are open. As shown, awall79 of thetip member74 extends from thefirst end76 toward thesecond end78. Preferably, thewall79 is a conical shapedwall70 that is tapered with an increasing diameter from thefirst end76 toward thesecond end78. Importantly for the present invention, theouter surface80 of thetip member74 is dimensioned to precisely mate with theinterior surface60 of thewall58 of theeye stabilizing element20.FIG. 2 also indicates that thetip member74 includes ashelf82 which extends around the periphery of thesecond end78 of thetip member74. As can be appreciated by referring toFIG. 2, theshelf82 may be formed with acircumferential vacuum groove84 that extends around the periphery of thesecond end78 of thetip member74 and it is dimensioned to abut with thetabs62aand62bof theeye stabilizing element20. A secondary vacuum fitting86 is provided for establishing fluid communication with thevacuum groove84. More specifically, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, thesystem10 may include avacuum line88 and avacuum pump90 for evacuating air from thevacuum groove84 through thevacuum fitting86. Collectively, the vacuum fitting86,line88 and pump90 constitute asecondary vacuum subsystem91.

Still referring toFIG. 2, thealignment device22 may include a mountingring92 for connecting thealignment device22 to thesurgical laser unit12. Further, connected to the mountingring92 are a plurality of extension arms, of which94a,94b,94cand94d(FIG. 3) are exemplary. As shown, the extension arms94a-dconnect the mountingring92 to thesecond end78 of thetip member74 to position the mountingring92 at a length “I₁” from thetip member74.

When thealignment device22 is positioned on thelaser unit12, thealignment device22 will contact one or more pressure sensors of whichpressure sensors96a,96band96care exemplary. Preferably, when in contact with the mountingring92, the pressure sensors96a-clie in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the mountingring92. As best seen inFIG. 3, they are each positioned an equal distance from thecenter point98 of the mountingring92. Also shown inFIG. 3 is the position of the pressure sensors96a-crelative to each other. Specifically, the three pressure sensors96a-care equidistant from each other, i.e. positioned 120° apart.

Referring once again toFIG. 2, it can be seen that the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources mounted on thesurgical laser unit12, of whichlight sources99a,99b,99c,99d,99e(shown in shadow) and99f(not shown) are exemplary. Importantly, the light sources99a-fare positioned on thesurgical laser unit12 to illuminate theeye18 during the surgical procedure.

In the operation of the present invention, thepatient16 is positioned in thechair14 and theeye stabilizing element20 is placed on theeye18. More specifically, thecontact surface50 of thelens44 of theeye stabilizing element20 interfaces with theanterior surface52 of thecornea54 of theeye18. Following commands from the system operator, thecomputer controller26 then directs themotorized control assembly24 to move and reconfigure thechair14. Specifically, thechair14 is moved to generally align theeye18 of the patient16 with the stationarysurgical laser unit12. If not already connected, theprimary vacuum line70 is then connected to the primary vacuum fitting68 and to theprimary vacuum pump72. When activated, theprimary vacuum subsystem73 evacuates air from thevacuum channel64 through theair passage66. The evacuation of thevacuum channel64 creates a suction force at the interface of thecontact surface50 and theanterior surface52 of thecornea54. Further, the force induced by the suction (a relative vacuum in the range of approximately 150-600 mbar) draws and holds theanterior surface52 of thecornea54 against thecontact surface50 of thelens44. Consequently, theeye stabilizing element20 is held immovable against theeye18. If for any reason theeye stabilizing element20 is not properly seated on theeye18, the partial vacuum will not form. In this case, an error message is displayed for the system operator on thegraphical user interface28 of thecomputer controller26. Of note, the error message may be either a visual or an audio message.

Along with theeye stabilizing element20 being placed and held on theeye18, thealignment device22 is mounted, as necessary, on thesurgical laser unit12. Specifically, the mountingring92 is secured to thesurgical laser unit12. When so mounted, the mountingring92 of thealignment device22 contacts, and exerts a pressure against, the pressure sensors96a-c. Throughout the laser surgery procedure, data from the pressure sensors96a-cis communicated to thecomputer controller26 via theelectrical cable30.

Once thealignment device22 is mounted on thesurgical laser unit12, thechair14 is moved through a “docking” procedure whereby theeye stabilizing element20 is moved to engage with thealignment device22. During this docking procedure, theouter surface80 of thehollow tip member74 of thealignment device22 is engaged by theinterior surface60 of thewall58 of theeye stabilizing element20. As intended by the present invention, theinterior surface60 of thewall58 is dimensioned to precisely match the dimensions of theouter surface80 of thetip member74. Additionally, thetabs62aand62bof theeye stabilizing element20 mate with theshelf82 of thealignment device22.

During the docking procedure, the interactive forces that are generated between theeye stabilizing element20 and thealignment device22 are monitored by the pressure sensors96a-c. It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the force magnitudes experienced by the pressure sensors96a-c, and the differentials between the force magnitudes, can be used to determine the magnitude and direction of the forces exerted against theeye18 during the docking procedure. In this way, the operation of thesystem10 is monitored to ensurepatient16 safety, and to minimize the risk of unwanted damage to theeye18. Specifically, whenever a predetermined force threshold is reached, either in the direction or the magnitude of the forces exerted on theeye18, further movement of the patient16 toward thesurgical laser unit12 is prevented by thecomputer controller26. Stated differently, when the threshold force values are reached, thechair14 and the patient16 can only be moved in a direction away from thesurgical laser unit12.

When theeye stabilizing element20 of the present invention is properly engaged with thealignment device22, theeye18 is aligned with thesurgical laser unit12. In addition, theeye18 will be positioned at a known distance from thesurgical laser unit12. More specifically, the extension arms94a-destablish a fixed distance “I₁” between the mountingring92 and thesecond end78 of thetip member74. Further, the height “h₁” of thetip member74 is known and fixed as well. Thus, when theeye stabilizing element20 is engaged with thealignment device22, thelens44 andcornea54 are a known distance from thesurgical laser unit12, more specifically, a known distance from the cutting lenses (not shown) of thesurgical laser unit12. Importantly, in one embodiment of the present invention, theeye stabilizing element20, thealignment device22 and the cutting lenses may be concertedly moved axially relative to thelongitudinal axis38 formed by theeye stabilizing element20. However, it is to be appreciated that the distance between thelens44 of theeye stabilizing element20 and the cutting lenses of thesurgical laser unit12 remains fixed, regardless of the concerted movement of theeye stabilizing element20, thealignment device22 and the cutting lenses.

An important aspect of the present invention is to maintain this fixed spatial relationship between theeye18 and thesurgical laser unit12 during the course of the laser surgery. Consequently, the contact between thealignment device22 and theeye stabilizing element20 must be maintained. Preferably, to maintain the necessary contact thesecondary vacuum subsystem91 is activated. Specifically, thesecondary vacuum line88 is connected to the secondary vacuum fitting86 and thesecondary vacuum pump90. Thereafter, thesecondary vacuum pump90 is used to evacuate thevacuum groove84. The evacuation of thevacuum groove84 creates a suction whereby theeye stabilizing element20 is drawn against thealignment device22. Of note, the interactive force that maintains the engagement is a minimal force, which is to say it can be overcome by a moderate force in the opposite direction. As such, if the pressures exerted on theeye18 by the docking procedure exceeds threshold values, or if the patient16 moves away from thesurgical laser unit12 after engagement, thealignment device22 and theeye stabilizing element20 may be disengaged without injuring thepatient16.

As theeye stabilizing element20 is placed in contact with thealignment device22, a proper engagement between theeye stabilizing element20 and thealignment device22 must be verified. To this end, the plurality of light sources99a-fthat are mounted on thesurgical laser unit12 may be used to help verify a proper engagement. Specifically, it happens that in addition to illuminating theeye18, the light sources99a-falso create a circular pattern of reflected light that is observable by the system operator. Referring now toFIG. 4A, an exemplary pattern of reflected light100 is shown. Importantly, when the pattern of reflected light100 is circular, theeye stabilizing element20 is properly engaged and aligned with thealignment device22. If, however, theeye stabilizing element20 is not properly or fully engaged with thealignment device22, the pattern of reflected light100 will be displaced or distorted from its preferred orientation. In this situation, as shown inFIG. 4B, the pattern oflight102 is indicative of an improper engagement. Further, the system operator can observe the misaligned pattern of reflected light on thegraphical user interface28, and terminate the surgical procedure until such time as a proper engagement between theeye stabilizing element20 and thealignment device22 can be achieved. Once proper engagement is achieved, the laser surgery procedure may continue.

During a laser surgery procedure, thesurgical laser unit12 generates a laser beam that travels along a beam path that is substantially coincident with thecenter point98 of the mountingring92. The laser beam then passes on the beam path substantially along thelongitudinal axis38 of thebase member36, and theoptical axis104 of theeye18. Specifically, when the laser beam exits thesurgical laser unit12, it thereafter travels through both thealignment device22, and itshollow tip member74. After transiting thetip member74, the laser beam is incident on thecontact lens44 of theeye stabilizing element20 at or near the apex106 of thecurved lens44. The laser beam then travels through the clear,plastic contact lens44, and enters thecornea54 of theeye18 to accomplish the laser surgery.

While the particular System and Method for Positioning an Eye of a Patient as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims (15)

1. A system for positioning an eye of a patient for laser surgery which comprises:

a surgical laser unit for generating a laser beam;

an eye stabilizing element formed with a receptacle;

a means for holding said eye stabilizing element in contact with the anterior surface of the cornea of the eye to project said receptacle outwardly therefrom;

an alignment device, mounted on said surgical laser unit, wherein said alignment device is formed with a tip, and further wherein said tip is dimensioned for mating engagement with said receptacle of said eye stabilizing element;

at least one pressure sensor, mounted on said surgical laser unit, for measuring interactive forces between said alignment device and said eye stabilizing element;

a means for determining pressures exerted on the eye using said measured interactive forces; and

a means for moving the patient and said eye stabilizing element into engagement with said alignment device, for positioning the eye of the patient at a predetermined location relative to said surgical laser unit for laser surgery.

2. A system as recited inclaim 1 wherein the receptacle of said eye stabilizing element is tapered, and further wherein the tip of said alignment device is tapered and dimensioned for precisely engaging with the tapered receptacle of said eye stabilizing element.

3. A system as recited inclaim 1 which further comprises a plurality of light sources for illuminating the eye, wherein said light sources create an observable pattern of reflected light, and further wherein said observable pattern of reflected light can be compared to a predetermined pattern of light for verifying the positioning of the eye.

4. A system as recited inclaim 1 wherein said moving means is a chair having a motorized control assembly for reconfiguring and moving said chair.

5. A system as recited inclaim 1 wherein said eye stabilizing element is formed with a primary vacuum fitting, and further wherein the holding means

of the system comprises:

a primary vacuum line connected to said primary vacuum fitting; and

a primary vacuum pump in fluid communication with said primary vacuum line.

6. A system as recited inclaim 5 which further comprises a means for maintaining the engagement between said alignment device and said eye stabilizing element.

7. A system as recited inclaim 6 wherein the alignment device has a secondary vacuum fitting, and wherein said maintaining means comprises:

a secondary vacuum line attached to said secondary vacuum fitting;

a secondary vacuum pump in fluid communication with said secondary vacuum line; and,

a means for controlling a suction force induced by said vacuum pump, for maintaining a proper engagement between said eye stabilizing element and said alignment device.

8. A system as recited inclaim 1 wherein said alignment device further comprises a mounting ring having a center point, and further wherein a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a third pressure sensor are mounted on said surgical laser unit equidistant from said center point of said mounting ring, and equidistant from each other.

9. A method for positioning an eye of a patient for laser surgery which comprises the steps of:

holding an eye stabilizing element in contact with the anterior surface of the eye, said eye stabilizing element being formed with a receptacle, with said receptacle extending outwardly from the eye when said eye stabilizing element is held thereon;

mounting an alignment device on a surgical laser unit, wherein said alignment device is formed with a tip, said tip being dimensioned for mating engagement with said receptacle of said eye stabilizing element;

moving said eye stabilizing element into engagement with said alignment device to position the eye of the patient at a predetermined location relative to said surgical laser unit for laser surgery;

monitoring at least one pressure sensor mounted on said surgical laser unit, wherein said pressure sensor measures the interactive forces between said alignment device and said eye stabilizing element; and

determining pressures exerted on the eve using said measured interactive forces.

10. A method as recited inclaim 9 which further comprises the steps of:

illuminating the eye with a plurality of light sources;

observing a pattern of reflected light; and,

comparing said pattern of reflected light to a predetermined pattern of light for verifying the positioning of the eye.

11. A method as recited inclaim 9 wherein said holding step includes activating a primary vacuum pump to evacuate a vacuum channel formed in said eye stabilizing element, wherein the evacuation of said vacuum channel creates a suction force between said eye stabilizing element and the eye.

12. A method as recited inclaim 9 wherein said moving step includes activating a motorized control assembly mounted in a chair, to move and reconfigure said chair.

13. A method as recited inclaim 9 wherein said alignment device further comprises a mounting ring having a center point, and further wherein a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a third pressure sensor are mounted on said surgical laser unit equidistant from said center point of said mounting ring, and equidistant from each other.

14. A system for positioning an eye of a patient for laser surgery which comprises:

a surgical laser unit for generating a laser beam;

an eye stabilizing element formed with a receptacle;

a means for holding said eye stabilizing element in contact with the anterior surface of the cornea of the eye to project said receptacle outwardly therefrom;

an alignment device, mounted on said surgical laser unit, wherein said alignment device is formed with a tip, and further wherein said tip is dimensioned for mating engagement with said receptacle of said eye stabilizing element;

a means for moving the patient and said eye stabilizing element into engagement with said alignment device, for positioning the eye of the patient at a predetermined location relative to said surgical laser unit for laser surgery; and

a plurality of light sources for illuminating the eye, wherein said light sources create an observable pattern of reflected light, and further wherein said observable pattern of reflected light can be compared to a predetermined pattern of light for verifying the positioning of the eye.

15. A system as recited inclaim 14 which further comprises:

at least one pressure sensor, mounted on said surgical laser unit, for measuring interactive forces between said alignment device and said eye stabilizing element; and,

a means for determining pressures exerted on the eye using said measured interactive forces.

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